workshops
To register or inquire, click or call.
914.643.6573
teen/youth
Spring 2023
Creative Personal Storytelling
Personal narratives combine essay with creative writing, and they're super fun and thought-provoking to write. This workshop is a fabulous opportunity for students to work on their storytelling and writing skills as they explore moments from their lives with some creative flourishes. Finding each writer's unique voice and helping them discover the larger impact of chosen moments is one of several goals. Because college essays are personal narratives, this is an excellent workshop to take prior to one's senior summer in order to develop voice and the comfort needed to explore and write about oneself.
Dates: Six Wednesdays: 3/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 (no meeting 4/5)
Times: 5:30 – 7:00
For: 12 years and older
Cost: $460
(4 minimum; 8 max)
*Private conferences will be scheduled once workshop begins
bring a friend!
One-Night Writes!
creative writing series
Each Friday workshop will have a different theme. All workshops focus on developing craft, honing skill, and encouraging risk taking. Sign up for individual workshops.
Fridays, 6:00 – 8:00
Cost: $75 per workshop
Teens only
COMING UP
Secrets, Strangers & Friends
The night focuses on secrets and suspense among characters as their stories unfold. We'll play around with unreliable narrators and unreliable worlds.
Date: Friday, April 21
Teen Novelist Intensive
Our ongoing writers' group
This intimate intensive is for teen writers already with longer works in progress. We will meet weekly to discuss each other's work, offer honest feedback, and work through the many stumbling points of the writing process. Each writer will meet individually with a coach in addition to the weekly group meeting. In addition to working regularly on their own writing, writers are required to read each other's work each week in order to help their peers move forward.
Dates: 6-week session FULL
Time: 2 hours + private coaching sessions, scheduled separately
Cost: $525
> Is your family struggling with a financial hardship? Talk to us.
We never want to turn away eager Writers & Thinkers. Discounts available.
Creative Writing
Create characters whose stories unfold in all sorts of ways and worlds begging to be explored! In this week-long intensive, writers will build and practice the skills needed to create strong, interesting characters whose stories are bursting to be told. We will read excerpts from published writers, engage in short writing challenges, and look at style, grammar and editing. Risk-taking and revision will be celebrated!
Dates: July 31 – August 4
Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm, plus at least two private writing conferences*
For: 8th –12th grade students
Cost: $510
(6 maximum)
*Private sessions will be scheduled once workshop begins
Writer's Workout
Have an intense and fun writing workout each day. This week is for teens who want to work on the craft of writing. We will engage in a variety of short activities in order to condition and strengthen overall writing skills. From personal narratives to reader response to editorials to film reviews to persuasive arguments, an assortment of writing challenges will give writers the chance to hone their writing and thinking. Editing skills and grammar rules will be taught.
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Times: 11:30 – 1:30
For: 9th grade – entering college freshmen
Cost: $380
(6 maximum)
Creative Personal Narratives
Personal narratives are a lot of fun to write because they are about YOU, and no one knows more about what you think, feel, remember, wish than you! This workshop is a fabulous opportunity for students to work on writing skills as they explore moments from their lives and tell their stories. Personal narratives combine essay with creative writing. The result is poignant, vibrant, introspective writing. Finding each writer's unique voice and helping them discover the larger impact of chosen moments is one of several goals. Because college essays are personal narratives, this is an excellent workshop to take prior to one's senior summer in order to develop voice and the comfort needed to explore and write about oneself.
Dates: July 10 – July 14
Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm, plus at least two private writing conferences*
For: 8th –12th grade students
Cost: $510
(6 maximum)
*Private conferences will be scheduled once workshop begins
On-Demand Writing
Return to school this fall ready for all that on-demand writing. Learn and practice the skills and strategies needed to tackle any piece of on-demand writing with confidence. Whether it's the SAT, ACT, in-class essay, or plain-old homework, your child should feel at ease and in control when sitting down to write.
Dates: August 28 – September 1
Times: 11 – 12:30 pm
For: 9th – 12th grade students
Cost: $350
(6 maximum)
Young Writers
MYSTERY at the Marmaduke
We'll bring the CREATIVE back to writing as we write mysteries. A variety of writing prompts will give writers the opportunity to explore story, character and language. We will also read excerpts from mysteries and discuss how authors create mood, develop character, and move a story forward. In true workshop style, writers will share their work and offer constructive feedback. We'll also work on specific grammar rules and organizational strategies. Having fun is a priority!
Dates: August 21 – August 25
Times: 5 pm – 6:30 pm
For: 6th – 8th grade students
Cost: $350
(4 minimum; 6 max)
> Is your family struggling with a financial hardship? Talk to us.
We never want to turn away eager Writers & Thinkers. Discounts available.
Rising Seniors
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the understanding, skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay, a direction & a due date to send a draft to Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried for feedback/editing suggestions. Each writer will have several 1:1 conferences with their coach during the workshop. Direct instruction on how to write the essay and why it is important is part of the first day's session. Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
Session 1
Dates: June 26 & 27*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 2
Dates: July 19 & 20*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 3
Dates: July 24 & 25*
Times: 11 – 2
Session 4
Dates: August 9 &10*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 5
Dates: August 21 & 22*
Times: 11 – 2
Session 6
Dates: September 9 & 10*
Times: 11 – 2
Cost: $495
(6 students maximum in each)
*Each participant gets one follow-up feedback/editing exchange with Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried
The College Essay LAB
Three hours of quiet, focused, supervised time to help your senior MOVE FORWARD. One of our coaches will be here to field questions, prioritize tasks, ease anxiety, and have private writing conferences. Students will set goals at the beginning of the LAB and be held accountable for working towards them. Multiple 1:1 conferences will occur. This is for seniors who already have working drafts of their Common App essay, are ready to revise, and tackle supplemental essays.
Dates: 4 offerings, Fall 2023 | TBA
Cost: $300
(8 students maximum in each)
Summer 2023
"With her encouraging and thoughtful demeanor, Wendy brought out the best in me as a writer, reader, and thinker."
--Noah, Chappaqua, New York
"Wendy taught me how to transform my scattered thoughts into a flowing personal narrative that spoke true to me. Between brainstorming, writing, and editing, she elevated my abilities as both a thinker and a writer while also helping me navigate this critical college application process. I am so thankful for her help in getting into my first choice school."
-Eddie Tu
Pleasantville High School
Harvard University
Not only does Wendy instill the zest for writing, but she somehow weaves in style, grammar, structure, and composition. Wendy gave my daughter a direction, passion, confidence, and most importantly, a voice.
-Erin Sheridan
Briarcliff Manor, New York
“Wendy was instrumental in helping me focus my college essay. From the jumble of ideas that was my first draft she helped me organize my thoughts and figure out what I wanted to say and how best to say it. She never just told me what to write, she helped me figure out how to say what I wanted to say. My essay came together really well and kept a strong consistent narrative voice throughout thanks to her.”
— Julia, Masters School
Oberlin College
"Once I started actually writing- pen to paper- the words just started flowing."
-Patrick Doherty,
Wesleyan University
"Writing became FUN again! The creative mood and feeling of safety to try different types of writing and then actually share it is something I'll always be grateful to Wordcraft for."
-Ella F.
Rye Brook, N.Y.
"When I began to brainstorm [my college essay] in July, I was overwhelmed, terrified, and uninspired. After one meeting, I had a multitude of fantastic original ideas that not only displayed my college-worthy qualities, but did so with humility. I came to Wordcraft with a mosh of rough drafts and unfinished sentences and you were able to guide me to polish my misaligned sentiments into a beautiful essay."
-Mia Dillon,
Pleasantville, N.Y.
"I was pretty annoyed when my mom signed me up for a Writer's Workout in the middle of the summer, but I had so much fun and learned grammar rules I had never heard about before. My writing got stronger little by little. It was cool when I started to prep for the SATs and realized that I knew a lot of the rules already because of my Wordcraft workshop."
-Daniel W,
Chappaqua, N.Y.
"I was really nervous and quiet on the first day! By the middle of the week, I didn't want the workshop to ever end. I took creative writing, which focused on character development and storytelling, but the skills I learned helped me with all my writing once school started."
-Sarah L.
Ossining, New York
adults
Women Writing Among Women
Creative Personal Narratives
Whether about motherhood or menopause, the decisions to work, stay home, change careers, or figure out what we want to do when we grown up; about being single, newlywed, or married for decades; or about life as a female (whatever that means), you will have the opportunity to explore your experiences, thoughts, and skills in this intimate group. This workshop is a fabulous opportunity for experienced and novice writers to stretch their skills as they explore moments from their lives and tell their stories while connecting with other women. Five Thursdays + plus a 20-min 1:1 conference (online or in person)
For: All women regardless of age or experience
Dates: Thursdays | April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11*
Times: 7 – 8:30 pm
*1:1 sessions will be scheduled once workshop has started
Price: $480
maximum 6 writers
New to the Workplace
Workplace Readiness
writing, communications, confidence
The transition to the workplace after college, grad school, or time at home can be intimidating. Don't let it be. Sharpen the written skills needed for daily communications, tighten your grasp on language, practice your storytelling & listening, see the importance of creativity and compassion, fire up your confidence. Covered: emails, cover letters, pitches, presentations
Workshop includes:
> Two 1.5 hr small group sessions (3 hours total)
> One 1 hr private session
> Resume & cover coaching & review
For: New adults entering or adjusting to the workplace
Dates: Tuesdays June 6 &13
Times: 7 – 8:30
Private Sessions scheduled separately
Price: $675
maximum 6 participants
Writing to Refuel
A Writer's Workout
We will engage in a variety of short activities in order to stretch, challenge, and condition overall writing and thinking skills. Connect with others and get lost in your writing in a safe, supportive setting. Activities range from creative to practical, all focusing on improving confidence, skill, and craft.
For: All adults
Dates: Five Wednesdays, 1.5-hour sessions, starting in February. Dates and Times TBA
Price: $460
In Person!
For Parents of Rising Seniors:
College Conversations
Helping Parents Maintain Sanity During The College Application Process | 1.5 hr workshop + 1:1 session
Don't let the college process overwhelm you! It's a anxiety-provoking time for sure, but it's also an EXCITING one. In order to best support your children, you need to feel supported. Let us help. During our 1.5 hr. round-table conversation, you will connect with other parents, get informed, ask questions, share worries, learn about this crazy application and admissions process, and leave with strategies to help your child move through each part of the process with confidence, ownership, direction, excitement, and a plan. Topics will include: college visits, what makes a strong applicant, the application & admissions process, college essays, timelines, and managing your child's anxiety and expectations. Avoid the swirl of anxiety that too often comes with the process! (And keep your sanity and relationship with your child in tact!)
Click here to join the conversation.
Dates: Session 1: March 28 | Session 2: April 18 | Session 3: May TBA
(30-min private coaching sessions will be scheduled on an individual basis)
Times: 7pm – 8:30 pm
Price: $350
Space limited
On line!
For Parents of Rising Seniors:
How to Maintain Sanity During The College Application Process | a 1-evening ZOOM experience
No freaking out allowed! In order to best support your children, you need to feel supported. The college process can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Prepare yourself for the process by getting informed, developing a clear understanding of the process, and establishing a healthy mindset. This online session aims to bring clarity and balance to the process. We discuss everything from college visits to what makes a student a strong candidate, the wacky admissions process to all those college essays, your child's timeline to how to ease your child's inevitable anxiety. Ultimately, we will suggest strategies you can use to help your child move through the process with confidence, ownership, direction, and excitement. Avoid the swirl of anxiety that too often comes with the process! (And keep your sanity and relationship with your child in tact!) Participants will be invited to submit questions before the event. We'll do our best to answer them.
Dates: TBA
Times: 1.5 hours
Price: $110
college essays
Rising Seniors
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the understanding, skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay, a direction & a due date to send a draft to Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried for feedback/editing suggestions. Each writer will have several 1:1 conferences with their coach during the workshop. Direct instruction on how to write the essay and why it is important is part of the first day's session. Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
Session 1
Dates: June 26 & 27*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 2
Dates: July 19 & 20*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 3
Dates: July 24 & 25*
Times: 11 – 2
Session 4
Dates: August 9 &10*
Times: 4:30 – 7:30
Session 5
Dates: August 21 & 22*
Times: 11 – 2
Session 6
Dates: September 9 & 10*
Times: 11 – 2
Cost: $495
(6 students maximum in each)
*Each participant gets one follow-up feedback/editing exchange with Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried
The College Essay LAB
Three hours of quiet, focused, supervised time to help your senior MOVE FORWARD. One of our coaches will be here to field questions, prioritize tasks, ease anxiety, and have private writing conferences. Students will set goals at the beginning of the LAB and be held accountable for working towards them. Multiple 1:1 conferences will occur. This is for seniors who already have working drafts of their Common App essay, are ready to revise, and tackle supplemental essays.
Cost: $300
(8 students maximum in each)
4 offerings, Fall 2023 | TBA
a look back at
SUMMER 2022
Creative Writing
Fantasy. Sci-Fi. Realistic Fiction. Humor. Anything goes in this workshop where writers build and practice the skills needed to create strong, interesting characters whose stories are bursting to be told. We will read excerpts from published writers, engage in short writing challenges, and look at style, grammar and editing. Risk-taking and revision will be celebrated!
Writer's Workout
Have an intense and fun writing workout each day. This week is for teens who want to work on the craft of writing. We will engage in a variety of short activities in order to condition and strengthen overall writing skills. From personal narratives to reader response to editorials to film reviews to persuasive arguments, an assortment of writing challenges will give writers the chance to hone their writing and thinking. Editing skills and grammar rules will be taught.
Creative Personal Narratives
Your first overnight. Your first dive. That time you tasted raw oysters or got into trouble or felt betrayed.
Personal narratives are a lot of fun to write because they are about YOU, and no one knows more about you – what you think, feel, remember, wish – than you. This workshop is a fabulous opportunity for students to work on writing skills as they explore moments from their lives and tell their stories. Personal narratives combine essay with creative writing. The result is poignant, vibrant, introspective writing. Finding each writer's unique voice and helping them discover the larger impact of chosen moments is one of several goals. Because college essays are personal narratives, this is an excellent workshop to take prior to one's senior summer in order to develop voice and the comfort needed to explore and write about oneself.
On-Demand Writing
Return to school this fall ready for all that on-demand writing. Learn and practice the skills and strategies needed to tackle any piece of on-demand writing with confidence. Whether it's the SAT, ACT, in-class essay, or plain-old homework, your child should feel at ease and in control when sitting down to write.
Young Writers
MYSTERY at the Marmaduke
We'll bring the CREATIVE back to writing as we write mysteries. A variety of writing prompts will give writers the opportunity to explore story, character and language. We will also read excerpts from mysteries and discuss how authors create mood, develop character, and move a story forward. In true workshop style, writers will share their work and offer constructive feedback. We'll also work on specific grammar rules and organizational strategies. Having fun is a priority!
Young Writers
Reading as Writers
for kids who love to READ
Reading as a writer increases students' attention to detail, craft, character development, and language use. Students who read as writers tend to increase their reading comprehension because they are less likely to read only for plot. We'll shine a spotlight on the writer's craft as we read and discuss a short story each day, and then tackle creative writing prompts that force us to appreciate the magic that writers have created. Students will explore their thoughts and voices as they look closely at how writers explored theirs.
Rising Seniors
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay and an understanding of what they need to do in order to confidently hit SUBMIT. Show those colleges who you are. #Crushtheessay Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
S
> Is your family struggling with financial hardship? Talk to us.
We never want to turn away eager Writers & Thinkers. Discounts available.
